Experience

Amicus Curiae Practice

• Becker v. Mayo Foundation, Dct #A05-45 (2007), a pending decision where we represented amicus Children's Law Center of Minnesota.


• Antone v. Mirviss, 720 N.W.2d 331 (Minn. 2006) (appellate counsel for amicus curiae Minnesota Lawyers Mutual in case involving novel interpretation of Minnesota's statute of limitations for malpractice actions arising from drafting of antenuptial agreements)


• Unity Church of St. Paul v. State of Minnesota, 694 N.W.2d 585 (Minn. Ct. App. 2005) (appellate counsel for amicus curiae American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota in successful constitutional challenge to firearm conceal and carry statute)


• Brookfield Trade Center, Inc. v. County of Ramsey, 584 N.W.2d 390 (Minn. 1998) and 609 N.W.2d 868 (Minn. 2000) (appellate counsel for amicus curiae City of St. Paul in two successful appeals regarding tax increment financing)


• Green Tree Financial Corp.-Alabama v. Randolph, 531 U.S. 79 (2000) (filed amicus curiae brief for arbitration administrator on scope of and procedures under Federal Arbitration Act) Locke v. Lutheran Brotherhood, No. 01-8007 (8th Cir. June 29, 2001) (filed amicus curiae brief for Minnesota Chamber of Commerce on class certification issue)


• Domtar, Inc. v. Niagara Fire Ins. Co., 563 N.W.2d 724 (Minn. 1997) (counsel for amicus in insurance coverage dispute)
  
• Sylvester Bros. Development Co. v. Great Cent. Ins. Co., 480 N.W.2d 368 (Minn.App. 1992) (represented PRP group as amicus curiae)


• Mary Vasaly has co-authored with Reagan Simpson The Amicus Brief: How to be a Good Friend to the Court.  
American Bar Association; 2nd edition (May 2004)
This publication provides information on writing and understanding amicus briefs. Topics include how frequently amicus briefs are filed, who files and why, and how to file and respond to an amicus brief. The book also provides practical suggestions on all aspects of amicus practice. The appendix includes reprints and excerpts from nine outstanding amicus briefs.